Northeast District Announces Raffle Winners

Raffle from the NE District Golf Outing held at the Salem Lodge: Laura & Eric Palker, Lakewood Lodge won the Wooden Elk made by Drew Green, Salem Lodge pictured on the left. Accepting the prize is Jim Vasey from Lakewood Lodge.

Raffle from the NE District Golf Outing held at the Salem Lodge: Jim Vasey, Lakewood Lodge won the Giannios Chocolate Tin donated by Denny Martin of the Salem Lodge. 

Raffle from the NE District Golf Outing held at the Salem Lodge: Art Bowker, Berea Lodge won the Brandy Basket made by D&D Brandy (Drew/Denise Green). Art donated the basket to Lance Knight to use as part of the Spirits Wagon up for auction at the OEA Fall Convention in August. 

Van Wert Elks #1197 Celebrates Elks Legacy Scholarship Winner

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197, have announced the awarding of a $4,000 Legacy Award Scholarship by the Elks National Foundation to Grace Dowler.    The Legacy Award Scholarships are awarded by the Elks National Foundation and are only available to children and grandchildren of Elk Members.  Ms. Dowler graduated this spring from Van Wert High School and will be attending this fall the Bowling Green State University majoring in Middle Childhood Education.

During high school Grace was a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, FCA and participated in Robotics, Band and played Soccer.

Grace is a member of the First United Methodist Church where she is on the Mission Committee and participates in the Youth Group.

Grace is the daughter of Bruce and Ruth Dowler and the Granddaughter of Tom Rupert of Van Wert.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is only second to the United States Government in the number of scholarships awarded each year.   Van Wert Lodge is proud to have been a sponsor for Grace during this competition.

Berea Elks Lodge #1815 Funds Local StoryWalk Project

Berea Elks Lodge #1815 presented a check in the amount of $5,000 to the Berea branch of the Cuyahoga Public Library. These funds will be used by the library to install a permanent StoryWalk path leading from the library to Coe Lake. The StoryWalk will feature twelve reading stations from a single children’s book that is cycled every few months promoting outdoor activity and youth literacy. The funds were made possible by a $3,500 Gratitude Grant from the Elks National Foundation with the balance of the project by donations from Berea lodge members.

PER Richard Threadgill (center), present check to Amy Dreger (left) and Cathy Schultis of the Berea library

Van Wert Elks #1197 Recognizes Local Americanism Essay WInners

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 would like to announce the winners of the 2021-2022 Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Americanism Essay Contest.    This fraternal year, the theme for the contest was, “What does it mean to love your country”.     The students competed in divisions, by age group.

The local winners, which were forwarded to the District for further judging, were:

Division I, 5th & 6th grades  (pictured left to right, front row)

1st place – Ila Hughes – Lincolnview Elementary School
2nd place – Brooke Tigner – Grover Hill Elementary School
3rd place – Annabel Horstman – St. Marys Catholic Elementary School

Division II, 7th & 8th grades  (pictured left to right, back row)

 1st Place – Anna Gardner– Crestview Middle School
2nd Place – Whitney Boroff – Wayne Trace Middle School
3rd Place – Hayden Perrott– Crestview Middle School

Brooke Tigner placed second and Ila Hughes placed third in the Northwest District Division I competition.    Anna Gardener placed third in the Northwest District Division II competition.

Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197 would like to congratulate all of our winners and we wish to thank all of the students, teachers and schools for their participation in this years essay contest.

Jill Evans was the lodge chairman in charge of the Lodge Americanism Committee and is pictured with the winners.

Salem Elks #305 Supports Memorial Day Parade

The parade was small, but added so much normalcy to our lives. Allowing us to gather as one and remember the many we lost serving our nation.

Several members were in the parade, along with the drug awareness trailer, Elroy the Elk and a few state participant Soccer shooters. It's been a while since the parade went past the lodge. So Connie Smith and Kim Chapman had donuts, coffee, punch and water for those who attended. We had the front porch nice and open with chairs in the shade or the sun. Hope to see you in 2 years, when the parade goes to Grandview cemetery.

Columbus - Grove City Elks #37 Grows Membership Welcoming Eleven New Members

Columbus-Grove City Elks Lodge #37 welcomed eleven new members to the Order in May during a recent initiation at the lodge performed by the lodge officers. Welcome to all!

1st row L-R John Tomer, Keiri Johnson, Nichole Mulvany, Sharon Cooper ER, Patricia Green, Taylor Wegman. 2nd row L-R Ron Desmond, Aaron Spencer, Misty Burke, Chris Frase, Fred Severamce

Columbus-Grove City Elks #37 To Host Cerebral Palsy Ladies Brunch

Maumee-Bowling Green Elks #1850 Partner with Sunshine Communities

Maumee-Bowling Green Elks Lodge #1850 presented $14,000 to the Sunshine Communities, Inc., a 501(c)3 in NW Ohio that helps adults with disabilities.  The grant, which came through the Ohio Elks Cerebral Palsy State Project Grant program, will help Sunshine Communities purchase mechanical lifts to help residents with ambulatory assistance.  2022 marks the 36th year of the Elks supporting Sunshine Communities, totally over $272,000.  

From left, Sue Stadler, Chaplain; Larry "Bubba" Stadler, ER; Shannon Bova, Chief Community Relations Officer with Sunshine Communities; Jim Ward, Trustee; Markie Miller, Grants Manager with Sunshine; Tae Rodgers, Tiler

Van Wert Elks #1197 Supports Local Youth Baseball Program

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $100.00 to the Van Wert Youth Baseball Association for the 2022 season.

With the financial help from the sponsors, youth ages 8 to 12 are able to travel and play teams within a tri-county area.    On an average they have 6 teams and over 80 kids who are able to participate in the program.

The Elks are known for their support of youth activities not only within Van Wert County but across the nation as well.

Pictured, left to right are Matt Krol, Lodge Leading Knight and Ben Price, Van Wert Youth Baseball President.

Salem Elks #305 Supports Local Foundation

Salem Elks Lodge #305 presented a $1,000 check, through the Salem Community Foundation, to The Way Station. Receiving the donation is Sherry Bendetta the Finance Administrator.

The funds will help with their Emergency Kit Program. 

The kits contain many household and kitchen items that are gently used and donated. 

The Executive Director, Chaney Nexbeth, states that currently they have the capacity to support those who are referred by the Salvation Army and other area agencies. 

But in order to support an influx of potential Ukrainian refugees, they really do need financial assistance to ensure no one is ever turned away. With this monetary donation; the Way Station will be able to purchase some of the larger items, like a microwave or electric skillet.

Willoughby-Cleveland Elks #18 Recognizes Local Scholarship Winner

Congratulations to Gregory Perryman from Beachwood High School Class of 2022– Willoughby/Cleveland’s Most Valuable Student Scholarship winner.  He will receive $4,000 from Grand Lodge.  He is one of 500 winners out of 21,000 applications.  Gregory will be attending the University of Virginia with a major in Economics. 

Honoring him on May 26, 2022 at the Senior Awards ceremony were:  (R to L):  Lance Knight PSP, Sue Knight PER/MVS Lodge Chairman, Gregory Perryman, Kerrie McLean PER and Jeff Romito Leading Knight.

Kenton Lodge #157 To Represent Ohio at Grand Lodge

Kenton Lodge #157 will perform in the Grand Lodge's Ritual Team Contest at 2:00 PM on Saturday, July 2, 2022. The contest will be held in room C212/C213. Be sure to show up early—limited seating, approximately 90 seats. 

The 11 O'Clock Toast Contest will be held starting at 10:00 AM on Sunday, July 3, 2022. Chad Spencer from Kenton Lodge #157 will represent the Ohio Elks in the contest. He is scheduled to perform with others from Area 4 at 11:00 AM.

The Flag Contest will be held on Sunday afternoon starting at 12:30 PM, with Area 4 being the first group to perform. Todd Daquino from Kenton Lodge #157 representing the Ohio Elks.

The Grand Lodge Ritual Committee asks that you come early. During the Flag and Toast Contests, we ask you to remain until the last performer of that section competes. The most you would have to wait is 30 minutes. 

If your schedule permits, support Kenton and the individuals representing the Ohio Elks in the Ritual Contests at Grand Lodge.

Chillicothe Elks #52 Supports Numerous Local Orgainzations

Chillicothe Elks Lodge #52 donated $2,000 provided through an Elks National Fundation Gratitude Grant to the Bean Foundation which supports the Ross County Suicide Prevention Coalition ($700), Good Samaritan Food Bank ($700), City Pony League Baseball ($300), Boy Scout ($200) and Girl Scouts ($100).

Chillicothe Elks members helping to pack bags

Chillicothe Elks #52 Supports United Way Food Program

Chillicothe Elks Lodge #52 donated $2,000 provided through an Elks National Foundation (ENF) Spotlight Grant to the United Way Mighty Active Pack Club that will provide weekend packs with nutritious, easy to prepare, and shelf-stable food to children living in Ross County during the school year (September through May).  During the school year, Elk volunteers will help pack bags full of food on Thursday evenings. The bags will be distributed on Friday to ensure students have access to food over the weekend.  Double bags will be provided for holidays and school breaks.

Van Wert Elks #1197 Supports Council on Aging

Van Wert Lodge Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $100.00 to the Van Wert County Council on Aging.   The monies will go towards supporting their upcoming 10th Annual Designer Purse Bingo Fundraiser scheduled for Friday, June 10, 2022.     The agency will use the donations to purchase designer handbags which will be displayed and used as bingo prizes throughout the fundraiser.

The Council on Aging transports seniors every day to medical appointments, grocery stores, pharmacies or social service appointments free of charge.  The Van Wert County Council on Aging has be serving the Senior Citizens of our community for 41 years.  Without these vital services, many of the county’s seniors would be forced to enter long-term care facilities.    Through fundraisers such as this, the agency will be able to continue and expand their much-needed services for our senior citizens.

Pictured, left to right are: Mary Yackey, Lodge Chaplain presenting the check to Kevin Matthews, Executive Director Council on Aging.

Salem Elks #305 Places Six Students in State Drug Awareness Contests

Salem Elks Lodge #305 had several state winners for the Drug Awareness Program. All six students placed. All received medals inscribed with their name, place and contest. In addition, they received monetary amounts of 1st = $100; 2nd = $50 & 3rd = $25. Both 1st place winners were sent onto the National level of competition. Results will be revealed at the Elks Grand Lodge National Convention in early July. The 1st place poster winner will have an opportunity to have her picture placed in the DAP coloring book to be printed in the coming year. 

Hadley Carlisle 1st Essay

Ryleigh Biddle 2nd Poster, Elijah Maraldo 2nd Essay & Isabella Gallagher 3rd Essay

Ariya Starr Barrera 1st Poster

McKayLynn Cox 3rd poster

Newcomerstown Lodge Awards Multiple $1,000 Scholarships To Local Students

Newcomerstown Elks Lodge #1555 presented their annual Scholarships at our local school districts.  Pictured below is Exalted Ruler Jodi Belt presenting two (2) $1,000 scholarships in honor of former alumni Woody Hayes at Newcomerstown High School.   Also pictured is Esteemed Leading Knight George Poorman presenting two (2) $1,000 scholarships in honor of alumni Pop Warner and Ed Harstine at Ridgewood High School.  Not pictured, the lodge was able to present a $1,000 scholarship to an Indian Valley High School student in the name of former lodge #1555 member Denton T "Cy" Young.

Woody Hayes Scholarship Winner Karley Ingle

Ed Harstine Scholarship Winner Hannah Maust

Woody Hayes Scholarship Winner Lexus Johnson

Pop Warner Scholarship Winner Alex Stroup    

Van Wert Elks #1197 Honor Student of the Year

Van Wert Lodge Elks Lodge #1197 selected David J. May Jr, senior at Lincolnview High School as the recipient of the Student of the Year for Van Wert Lodge.  

David was selected as the Student of the Month for February.   He will graduate this spring from Lincolnview High School.

Students are nominated by their high schools to receive the Student of the Month award.  Each Student of the Month receives a monetary donation along with a certificate from the Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197 with the possibility to be named the Student of the Year.   Students are judged on the basis of multiple achievements – Volunteerism, Character, Leadership, Service, Citizenship and Scholastic.   

All of the Student of the Month winners are then judged for their performance and achievements for selection as the Student of the Year.   David received a monetary donation as well as a certificate.   He will now be competing for District Student of the Year against students from 12 other lodges within the district.

This program is designed to recognize outstanding young men and women for their achievements in school and community.   The Elks wish to recognize and praise those students for their accomplishments, their activities, and their contributions to society through this program.

Pictured left to right are David May with Linda J. Stanley, Student of the Month Chair.

Attention Lodges! Opportunity to Host Drug Awareness Speaker!

Attention Ohio Lodges!

We have an opportunity to have Ray Lozano, the nationally acclaimed Drug Awareness speaker, come to Ohio to speak to your schools.

Mr. Lozano speaks directly to the kids in a manner that they understand and he can tailor his remarks to fit the schools needs whether that might be drug and alcohol use, pills, stress, bullying, or vaping.

Mr. Lozano has Monday, Oct 10th and Tuesday, Oct 11th open for morning and afternoon engagements as well as Monday and Tuesday evenings. He will then be in Newark, Ohio on Wednesday, Oct 12th.

There may be a minimal cost to your lodge for a meal (he enjoys eating at the lodges!) or a nights lodging but that would be it. His speaker’s fee is covered by ENF and the airfare is covered by Ohio Elks.

Please contact your schools before they are out for the summer to let them know what the Elks can provide and then let me know right away if they might be interested. I will have to let Mr. Lozano’s office know by the middle of June.

You may email be at underhillbecky1@gmail.com

Thank you.

Becky Underhill,

Ohio Elks Drug Awareness Chairman.

Van Wert Elks #1197 Support Youth Mentoring Program

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 recently donated $60 to the MAV Youth Mentoring Program, previously the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program. The monies will be used to sponsor a team for their Trivia event for the kids. This event will be held at the Delphos Eagles in Celina on Friday, May 6th.

Each year the MAV Youth Mentoring Program hosts events for the kids in our community.

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 is proud to be able to assist this important program.

From left: Andrea Agler of MAV Youth Mentoring Program and Rick Roop, Lodge Loyal Knight.